Kerpen Craftsmen's Market

Genuine Crafts in the Rhein-Erft District

The Kerpen Craftsmen's Market is a special event that is becoming increasingly rare: a market exclusively showcasing regional crafts, without the usual mass-produced items found at average flea markets. The organiser is the Friends of the Kerpen Volunteer Fire Brigade — proceeds go towards the brigade's equipment and youth work.

When: June 14, 2026 — every two years

The market takes place every two years in June. In 2026, the date is Sunday, June 14, 2026. The next edition is expected in 2028 — so if you're interested in 2026, make sure to mark the date.

Where: Kerpen City Centre

The venue is the city centre of Kerpen — with stalls along Stiftsstraße, at the market square, and in the adjacent alleys. Kerpen's city centre has a charming, village-like character despite its proximity to Cologne, which makes the market particularly atmospheric.

What you'll find

Classic Crafts

• Wood Carving: Tools, toys, sculptures
• Blacksmith Work: Iron art, tools, decorations
• Ceramics and Pottery: Bowls, vases, tableware
• Leather Goods: Wallets, belts, bags
• Textile Art: Knitting, felting, fabric painting

Regional Culinary Delights

There are also stalls with regional specialities: Rhenish sausages, honey from local beekeepers, cheese from the farm, homemade jams, baked goods.

Friends of the FFW Kerpen — who's behind it

The Friends of the Kerpen Volunteer Fire Brigade organises the market on a voluntary basis. Stall fees and contributions go towards the FFW youth work and additional equipment for the brigade, which is not funded by the municipal budget. So, when you shop, you're supporting twice over: regional crafts and fire protection.

Kerpen — Hometown of the Schumacher Brothers

With over 65,000 inhabitants, Kerpen is a medium-sized centre in the Rhein-Erft district, west of Cologne. The town is internationally known for Michael and Ralf Schumacher, who grew up in Kerpen and began their karting careers there. The kart racing heritage is present in the cityscape (Sky-Hill-Kartcenter, Schumacher family). But Kerpen also has a rich civic tradition — and the Craftsmen's Market is part of it.